Advice from current law students

How to Succeed in Law School

Ashley Bailey

Forming study habits that work

"The first few weeks of law school may involve some trial and error as far as
figuring out how, when and where you study best, so once you figure it
out, stick to it. If this means going to bed at 10:30 every night or
going to your favorite study spot on campus, do it. It may be tempting
to follow the habits of your friends, but remember, your success is
dependent on your understanding of the material, not theirs!"

Maria de Arteaga

Attending classes

"Go to class and be mentally present. While this may seem
obvious, it really is one of the best ways to reinforce the concepts
from the reading and continuously prepare for the final exams. Because
the reading assignments in law school are often very different and more
difficult than most first year law students are used to, checking for a
full understanding of the material during class is key."

Joseph Calavenna

Making friends

"Take advantage of your small group first semester. It's a great way to
meet new people and develop friendships you will have throughout law
school. Law school an be stressful sometimes, but it
always helps to have a good group of friends to unwind with. Taking occasional breaks will make you more productive
when you are doing work."

Erin Gasparka

Building confidence

"The more you train yourself to look beyond what’s in the textbook and think about context, counterarguments and
broader societal implications, the more momentum you build in the
classroom and the more confidence you having going into the exams."

Mark Bender

Maintaining perspective

"Law school is challenging, but remember you're not alone: It's challenging for everyone. Focus when you need to, and have fun when you can. Don't miss out on the opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy the amazing things that Madison has to offer."